Blood stain, memorial mark Albany's 15th homicide in 2018

A blood stain on the sidewalk marks the place where a 28-year-old man became Albany's 15th homicide victim of 2018. Police had not yet released the name of the man who was killed or the teenager who was hospitalized when someone opened gunfire at the corner of Judson and Second streets on Monday.

A blood stain on the sidewalk marks the place where a 28-year-old man became Albany's 15th homicide victim of 2018. Police had not yet released the name of the man who was killed or the teenager who was

A blood stain on the sidewalk marks the place where a 28-year-old man became Albany's 15th homicide victim of 2018. Police had not yet released the name of the man who was killed or the teenager who was hospitalized when someone opened gunfire at the corner of Judson and Second streets on Monday.

A blood stain on the sidewalk marks the place where a 28-year-old man became Albany's 15th homicide victim of 2018. Police had not yet released the name of the man who was killed or the teenager who was

The police were gone but there was still plenty of evidence of death at Judson and Second streets as a violent year closes in on becoming Albany’s deadliest in decades.

A fresh blood stain remained on the sidewalk outside the Delaware Grocery and a memorial to the city's latest victim - Dalon Blunt, 28, who was shot Monday and became the city's 15th homicide victim when someone opened fire on him and a teenager.

But even as the blood remained on the ground, life continued in the West Hill neighborhood. People walked into the grocery store to buy coffee and snacks. Children walked to school while neighbors left for work.

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Just hours after the victim was declared dead at Albany Medical Center Hospital, a makeshift memorial of candles, Christmas greens, empty bottles and bows was assembled on the Second Street side of the building.

By 8 a.m. Tuesday, family and friends of Blunt had begun to gather in the cold to add to the memorial. One man, who identified himself as Blunt’s cousin, said he didn’t know what had happened. The mourners declined to talk to the media, asking for privacy.

At some point the bloodstain was washed away.

Police have said little about the latest killing, but Police Chief Eric Hawkins said they believe Blunt was targeted.

“We’re still asking members of the community to share any information they have with the police,” he said.

Police have recovered video of the scene from two sources, Hawkins said. He said he had not yet reviewed the video but said he hoped it would lead to the shooter’s identity.

Mayor Kathy Sheehan said violence in the city was unacceptable, regardless of the number of homicides, and that the city will continue to take multiple approaches, including conversations with mental health professionals, to help end the violence in the city.

“Whether it’s one or 15 or 20, it’s about recognizing that we have to ensure that the community and people here in the city get the message that using a gun to solve your disputes or gun violence of any sort is unacceptable,” she said. “That’s why this view of gun violence as a public health threat as opposed to simply something we’re going to throw law enforcement at is so critically important.”

This morning I spoke with reporters about last night’s homicide and stressed the importance of the #Albany community continuing to work together with the @albanypolice. It’s all about collaboration and I’m encouraged by the level of engagement by this community. pic.twitter.com/FrT1srJnL0

Police have not announced any arrests in Monday's killing or said much about the 19-year-old who was also shot.

Blunt died from a gunshot to the torso.

Albany has recorded 15 homicides this year — well above the city's yearly average of 7.8 killings and more than the previous three years combined.

The highest number in the past 33 years was recorded in 1987, with 16 deaths. The lowest number, two killings, was recorded in 1998, 2010 and 2016.

Those 15 deaths include alleged murder, non-negligent manslaughter and fatal police shooting cases, which are all counted as homicides in the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting statistics. Eleven of the deaths were from gunfire.

More than 50 people have been injured or killed by gunshots in Albany this year.

Anyone with information on Monday night's shooting are urged to call the Albany Police Detective Division at 518-462-8039. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Capital Region Crime Stoppers at 1-(833)-252-8477 or via the mobile app.